Our First Hospital Visit in Taipei: An Unexpected Lesson in Efficiency and Affordability

Landing in Taipei for the second time was thrilling for us as a couple. We were eager to start our year-long adventure in a city that had already won our hearts. But within the first week of settling in, Amelia woke up one morning with sharp pains under her upper left rib. The pain was intense enough that even walking short distances felt like a challenge. Concerned about what it might mean, we decided to visit McKay Memorial Hospital, despite not yet having enrolled in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI).

The prospect of dealing with healthcare in a foreign country without insurance can be daunting. We were prepared for the possibility of a hefty bill at the end of our visit. However, what we experienced was nothing short of impressive.

A Warm Welcome and Swift Service

Upon entering McKay Memorial Hospital, we were greeted by a friendly volunteer who guided us to a machine where we could pick up a queue number. The hospital even had dedicated English-speaking volunteers to help foreigners navigate any language barriers! After filling out a short form detailing Amelia’s symptoms, contact information, and family health history, we waited—though “waited” might be an overstatement. Within 10 minutes, our number was called.

At the counter, Amelia handed over her Gold Card ARC (though a passport would have worked just as well) along with the info sheet we had filled out. The efficiency was striking. The employee reviewed our information and directed us to the third floor to see an orthopedic specialist. She also provided a sheet with some background information for the doctor.

A Surprisingly Quick Diagnosis

Once on the third floor, we waited another brief 10 minutes before being called in to see the doctor. He spoke excellent English, which made explaining Amelia’s symptoms much easier. After a few questions about the pain—when it started, where it hurt, and whether she had engaged in any strenuous activity recently—he ordered an X-ray and sent us to the fifth floor.

The X-ray process was astonishingly fast. Within five minutes, it was done, and the results were immediately sent back to the doctor. We returned downstairs and, after another short wait, the doctor called us in to discuss the results. Fortunately, everything looked normal. He suspected that a muscle or nerve might have been pinched, which would explain the sharp pains. He prescribed some painkillers and muscle relaxants and sent us back to the lobby to pick up the prescription and settle the bill.

The Cost of Healthcare Without Insurance

This was the moment of truth—we approached the counter, bracing ourselves for the bill. When the final amount was revealed, we couldn’t believe our eyes: 2,208 NTD, or less than $100 CAD. This included the doctor’s visit, four chest X-rays, and the prescribed medication. Comparatively, in Canada this could easily have cost 10 times as much for a non-resident without insurance.

A Tale of Two Healthcare Systems

Reflecting on this experience, we couldn’t help but compare it to what might have happened back in Vancouver. There, a visit to the emergency room often involves waiting for four to five hours, if not longer, before even seeing a doctor. While healthcare in Canada would have been free for us, the time spent waiting and the overall experience can be frustrating.

In Taipei, we were in and out of the hospital within an hour and a half—something almost unheard of in Vancouver’s public hospitals. The combination of efficiency, empathy, helpfulness, and affordability in Taiwan’s healthcare system far exceeded our expectations.

Final Thoughts

While not everything is perfect, our first healthcare experience in Taipei left us deeply impressed. It was reassuring to know that, even without insurance, accessing quality healthcare in Taiwan is both straightforward and affordable. For any travelers who might find themselves in a similar situation, rest assured that you’re in good hands here in Taipei.